A legend untouched by time
Royal Enfield is the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in the world that is still doing business with a history of uninterrupted trading. Furthermore, of all the motorcycles made by any manufacturer, the Royal Enfield Bullet has been the longest running model in constant production. The Bullet is made today in the same manner it was in 1955.
Birth of the Legend
The roots of Royal Enfield took hold during the latter days of the industrial revolution. In 1892 Albert Eadie and Bob Walker Smith acquired a small firm that made sewing machines and needles in Hunt End, near Redditch in the Midlands.
Just before the turn of the century, the new outfit, renamed The Enfield Cycle Company, launched its first motorized bicycle as part of a range called Royal Enfield. This motorcycle business took off in a big way and Royal Enfield quickly established itself as a pioneer of new motorcycle designs.
The traditional cast iron 500cc engine to cease production this year (2008)
This will be the last year that we have the cast iron Bullet engine in production. After well over 50 years of production, Royal Enfield will cease manufacturing in early 2008.
Royal Enfield New Zealand is marking the occasion by producing a Special Edition in collaboration with known Royal Enfield enthusiast and designer for Magrette Timepieces, Dion McAsey. Dion has helped create a custom design that reflects Royal Enfield's rich heritage.
Dion explains, "I like the combination of the black and gold colour scheme. It is classic and very traditional for the fifties era. The design also includes a dark brown chocolate leather solo seat, a shorter exhaust, deeper guards plus a few other traditional-style accessories.
In addition, Magrette Timepieces has created a Limited Edition of 55 pieces called the Fifty Five that reflects the classic and timeless design of the Bullet.
please click here to view photos of the Fifty Five timepiece.
For more information about the Special Edition Royal Enfield Bullet you can contact Royal Enfield New Zealand.
